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Danger Close
- Commanding 3 Para in Afghanistan
- Narrated by: Simon Shepherd
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Politics & Government
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Summary
3 PARA was the first unit into Helmand in 2006. Sent on a peace mission, it became engaged in a level of combat that had not been experienced by the British Army since the end of the Korean War.
Undermanned and suffering from equipment shortages, 3 PARA fought doggedly to win the break in battle. Numerous gallantry decorations were awarded, but they were not without cost.
This is a dramatic, and often moving, insight into the leadership of soldiers at the sharp end of war.
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What listeners say about Danger Close
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- mac
- 25-01-15
Honest and accurate
I was part of the battle group in 2006 and fought along some of the brave men mentioned and those not. I have seen first hand Col Stuart's hands on approach in battle and can testify that I have never read a book as honest and true to the accounts of that tour as this. I commend the book to anyone who wants to have a sense of those days in Helmand.
28 people found this helpful
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- Ade
- 30-03-15
Good book read by wrong style narrator
What did you like best about Danger Close? What did you like least?
True story written by someone on the ground, he's someone who leads from the front and has been there and done it. I bought a paper copy due to the narration.
Would you recommend Danger Close to your friends? Why or why not?
In book format yes. In audio book format, no.
What didn’t you like about Simon Shepherd’s performance?
I couldn't get into the book and I had to stop listening to it after a few chapters due to the narration.Simon Shepard is very clear in his reading but I’m sorry his voice just doesn't suit this type genre, he would more suited to something like hamlet, have a listen and you will get my point.When the book or any book describes rounds going off or comrades being killed and injured, some narrators put you right there, they have you on the edge of your seat. Listen to Apache by Ed Macy narrated Sam Hazeldine and you'll see what I mean, The story is great and the Narration is awesome.
Any additional comments?
After reading the book in paper format, it's a good book I enjoyed it. The audio book is let down by the narration. Although clear and well spoken (very posh accent) when you're describing combat you need some grit. if this was read by Sam Hazledine i would have given it full marks.
12 people found this helpful
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- Mike Coots
- 18-11-19
Score not a reflection of story
I only gave this book low scores because i didn't get past chapter 4. I can't rate whole book on what ive heard so far. The narration is rubbish. Monotone, dreary. The blokes are underfire and the author has a duty of care to keep his men alive. Very few of us can imagine the stress he must have been under but the narrator sounds like he is reading a recipe for bread, dull as dishwater. I am going to buy the kindle version though. One negative about the actual story is the acronyms in the early chapters, i couldn't keep up with them all.
4 people found this helpful
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- kevin
- 21-08-16
Tough listen
Reasonable account of brave men fighting like lions. Sadly pretty much murdered by the narration.
4 people found this helpful
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- Jon-Paul
- 18-04-15
A fantastic insight
A fantastic insight into the world of commanding a British Army regiment. I am very proud of the professionalism and commitment of our troops. It is a shame they don't get the lasting support they deserve from our government. Maybe the best modern war book i have read
3 people found this helpful
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- billinom8s
- 20-04-21
waste of money
this read and sounded just like a report. there was no feeling or connection. just facts from someone else rehashed.
typical brass taking credit for other Work.
2 people found this helpful
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- Morag Janet Davies
- 06-01-21
fact
tells the true story of soldiersin the Afghanistan war. Well presented and an easy listen.
2 people found this helpful
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- Mr D A Liddle
- 06-11-20
enjoyable
Author read the book at a pace that let all the details sink in. really enjoyed it
2 people found this helpful
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- Jimbo
- 20-07-20
Heartfelt and sincere
It’s is an account from the perspective of command. And with that you get an engaging perspective well told.
1 person found this helpful
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- Mr. Craig Holmes
- 01-07-20
excellent book
overall excellent, I found the narrator a bit annoying to begin with, but we'll worth a listen, found the book itself to be informative and a very good listen/ read
1 person found this helpful